Profile of Berea
At a Glance
Student debt disproportionately impacts economically disadvantaged families. That's why Berea College has been paying for students' tuition since 1892.
Our students come from 43 states and Washington, D.C., 3 U.S, Territories and 74 Countries other than the U.S.
Berea is covering all tuition, housing, food, and fee expenses.
Every student at Berea College is part of a unique and inclusive mission that reflects equal opportunity with the obvious exception that Berea excludes applicants who come from families who could afford to pay for a high-quality education. Berea, perhaps more than any other institution, is a place of grace, making decisions to serve those who are deserving of educational opportunity, which remains the best way to change trajectories of students of low income and high potential. In the continuing spirit of impartial love, Berea College teaches love of the mind, the heart, the self and others.
Graduate Financial Stats
- 62% graduated with $0 educational debt
- $3,700 is the median average debt for those who borrowed
- $1,967 is the mean average debt for ALL graduates
- 100% of students do not pay tuition
Recent Graduate Learning Opportunities
- 45% completed an Internship
- 50% completed a Service-Learning Course
- 29% participated in Education Abroad, comparable national stats are not yet available but reports suggest these will be even lower that the the pre-pandemic 10%.
- 10% Participated in Undergraduate Research
Rankings
- U.S. News and World Report
- Top 1% Best Undergraduate Teaching, U.S. News & World Report, #16 of 1,500 institutions
- #1 Best Value in Private Colleges under $20k (per year tuition), Kiplinger's Finance
- Top 2% National Liberal Arts Colleges, U.S. News & World Report, #26 of 1,500 institutions
- Top 2% Senior Capstone, U.S. News & World Report, #24 of 1,500 institutions
- #2 Most Innovative Schools, U.S. News & World Report
- #3 Social Mobility, Washington Monthly
- #3 Co-ops & Internships, U.S. News & World Report
- Top 4% Undergraduate Research & Creative Projects, U.S. News & World Report, #53 of 1,500 institutions
- #5 Liberal Arts College, Washington Monthly
- #5 First Year Experiences, U.S. News & World Report
- #18 Best Colleges for African-Americans, Essence
- Colleges That Give You The Biggest Bang for Your Buck, Forbes, listed among 20 institutions